Observers paint a grim picture of neglect at zoo

An interim report by observers appointed by the Sindh High Court (SHC) has revealed alarming conditions at Karachi Zoo, following the court's order to transfer the female bear, Rano, to a safe sanctuary.

The report - submitted by observers including applicant Joud Allen Pereira and Zafir Ahmed Shaikh - details severe deficiencies in the zoo's infrastructure, animal welfare, and veterinary care.

The observers were tasked with examining the physical and mental health of the animals at the zoo. The findings paint a grim picture of neglect. The report states that the zoo lacks proper facilities for basic veterinary procedures, such as specialised cages for taking blood samples. It was also revealed that Rano had been fed an inappropriate diet of milk and bread for an extended period, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Despite temporary measures to increase her diet, the sudden change caused her digestive issues.

The condition of Rano's pool also raised serious concerns. The report states that the pool had not been cleaned for two years before the court took notice, and was found to contain a thick layer of dirt and waste. Only after the court's intervention was the pool cleaned.

The report also points to a lack of proper medical records at the zoo. There is no record of any animal's medical history, including Rano's, and deficiencies in infrastructure were identified. The zoo's veterinary clinic is in poor condition, with a broken X-ray machine, rusted equipment, and an operation theatre filled with garbage.

The report further reveals that none of the animals at the zoo had access to clean water, with temporary arrangements being made only in light of the observers' inspection. The white tigress, suffering from severe skin diseases, requires immediate transfer to a sanctuary, while the zoo's lone chimpanzee is reportedly struggling with loneliness after the death of its companions. This chimpanzee, housed in a small steel and concrete cage, is also in urgent need of relocation to a more natural environment, such as a sanctuary in Islamabad. Concerns were also raised regarding the zoo's aquarium, which has been poorly managed. The fish were found in distress, with many lying motionless at the bottom of the tank. The aquarium's caretaker, a plumber by profession, has no knowledge of how to care for aquatic life. The situation has been further compounded by the zoo's lack of proper staff and the involvement of a private contractor in managing the aquarium.

The report also revealed disturbing practices, including the preservation of animal skins in the zoo's freezer and the taxidermy of dead animals. According to the zoo's administration, many animals that have gone missing are said to have passed away after completing their natural lifespan, though no clear records or explanations were provided.

One of the most concerning revelations is the state of the zoo's veterinary care. The sole vet, who has been employed at the zoo for over 30 years, lacks any formal education or qualifications in wildlife care or treatment. The report criticises the overall poor standards of veterinary services at the zoo. The observers have made several recommendations on the basis of their findings.

They have suggested that the Karachi Zoo be gradually phased out and transformed into a botanical garden and heritage park. The report also calls for the establishment of an autonomous governing body, with representatives from civil society, WWF, and the Ministry of Climate Change, to oversee the future of the zoo and its animal welfare policies.

The observers have also recommended a re-inspection of all zoos under the control of Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the appointment of an independent audit firm to ensure financial transparency. To prevent further mistreatment of wildlife, the report stresses the need for strict provincial legislation to regulate zoos and animal care facilities.